Doncaster psychologist explains huge importance of getting children outdoors for their mental health

A leading mental health specialist has shared her tips and advice for children, and explains why it is important they get out into the great outdoors
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Months of home schooling and distancing from their friends has taken its toll on many youngsters.

And as lockdown measures continue, outdoor education and adventure experts, Kingswood, are highlighting why it is so important for them to get outside and moving.

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The great outdoors has so many benefits to mental health – particularly to those who may be experiencing anxieties during this uncertain time. And, combined with open space to run, skip, jump in and explore, it provides the perfect place to burn off excess energy that being indoors can retain, not to mention a plethora of physical benefits too.

After months of being cooped up it’s important to get youngsters out for their mental healthAfter months of being cooped up it’s important to get youngsters out for their mental health
After months of being cooped up it’s important to get youngsters out for their mental health
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Psychologist Dr Alice Jones Bartoli said: “This has been a very challenging time, especially for children and those at school age particularly as their usual routines have been disrupted.

“Children have experienced the loss of routine and contact with friends, and may be feeling anxious about the return to school and coming months. Parents of children aged four-10 report an increase in their child’s emotional difficulties, such as feeling unhappy and worried, during lockdown.

“Being in the outdoors can help with these feelings as it can lower levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, which can make us feel calmer. Being involved in new surroundings, and playing with others, can also distract the mind from negative thoughts].

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“And when you combine being outside with exercise or activities and games that get the heart rate up, it also helps to release those feel-good endorphins, while also helping to keep children fit too.

“Of course, children, as well as parents and teachers, may be feeling concerned about mixing with others, but it is important that they are surrounded by their peers.

“Peer-on-peer interaction is so important to children’s development as they get back together, and learn the art of teamwork and compromise as well as vital leadership skills. Being outside and having fun with friends is so important. The mental health benefits of moving and being outside are well known and very much needed after months of having activities restricted during lockdown”.

After having to press pause on residentials this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Kingswood team is back and ready to welcome schools and groups through its camp doors once again for 2021.

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Young people who are enrolled onto one of the residential programmes, focusing on adventure or a particular learning outcome such as confidence, resilience and life-skills, will be sure to have a trip to remember.

The team at Kingswood believe that learning is most effective when it is fun. Whether swinging from high ropes, abseiling and rock climbing or building a raft, all outdoor adventure activities are designed to develop life skills and positive mind-sets while improving wellbeing and encouraging self-belief.

Experienced experts will also be able to tailor-make a programme to meet specific learning objectives and support schools in delivering a broad and balanced curriculum while bringing about environmental awareness.

For more information about the trips on offer or to enquire about booking for next year visit www.kingswood.co.uk.  ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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